Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 4)— After an almost two-year wait due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first digital and localized Bar examinations finally took place on Friday.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, chairperson of the Bar exams, told a media briefing that 11,790 filed their applications, the largest batch of examinees, and 11,378 or 96.5 percent took the first day exam.
But the examinees were left to themselves minus the usual crowd to cheer them on because of health protocols.
The test was held in 31 sites nationwide. More examiners were deployed and security cameras were installed in testing sites.
“The earliest examinee to finish the exam was at 8:58 this morning, which I think gives you the clue on the type of the exam,” Leonen said, referring to the digital format.
Meanwhile, Leonen had a message for those who tested positive for COVID-19 days before the exam.
“Masakit po sa kalooban ko, masakit sa kalooban ng aking buong team, masakit sa kalooban ng buong Supreme Court (It pains me, my whole team, and the whole Supreme Court),” Leonen said.
The Supreme Court usually takes five to six months to manually check the exams, but it hopes the period will be shorter this time with the new process.
Leonen also provided tips for the examinees for their second day of exam on Sunday, Feb. 6.
“[L]ive in the present moment. Wag sila magmadali,” he said. “Pagkatapos ng araw na ito, matulog sila, wag sila mag-cramming, ipahinga yung kanilang katawan at isip, at bukas kaunting review lang.”
[Translation: Live in the present moment. Don’t rush. After the day, go sleep, don’t cram, rest your body and mind, and review just a little.]
